Reported Michigan verbal commitment Willie Henry is better than his rankings indicate

He is a 6-foot-3, 273-pound prospect from Glenville High School in Cleveland. That's the same high school as current Wolverines defensive lineman Frank Clark. And, like Clark, Henry is a late-bloomer.

Henry is a three-star recruit (as was Clark) whose offer sheet is solid, but not spectacular. Most of his offers came from Mid-American Conference and Big East schools.

He is not ranked at his position, nor nationally. He's the 59th-best player in Ohio, according to Rivals.

But Scout Midwest recruiting expert Allen Trieu says that's not indicative of his play.

"You watch his film and you go, 'why isn't he ranked higher?'" Trieu said. "You also go, 'Wow, why didn't he have a ton more offers?'"

Trieu said Henry's stock didn't rise until now because his junior season at Glenville was unspectacular. So, he didn't generate much buzz among analysts until putting together a solid senior season.

In a way, his situation is similar to that of Clark, who also did not play much as a junior. In turn, he was not ranked at his position, nor nationally, when he committed to Michigan and was the 52nd-best player in Ohio, according to Rivals.

Clark played this past season, and made a critical interception in the Sugar Bowl. He's considered an important component to the future of the defensive line, despite his unspectacular recruiting status.

Trieu foresees a similar career arc for Henry.

"He just didn’t play much, didn’t really make an impact as a junior, and that happens at talented schools like Glenville," Trieu added. "He was a kid who just completely stayed off the radar until late. But, once you saw him play, you could tell he can really play.

"Michigan's getting a very good player, even if he isn't ranked like it."

Henry's commitment ends a run of four Michigan targets who went elsewhere. The Wolverines' last known target is four-star offensive lineman Jordan Diamond, who is expected to announce his decision Friday.